Using recycled plastic to create new packaging sounds like a simple solution to plastic waste, but it’s not as straightforward as it might seem. We asked two of our packaging experts to explain what’s involved in scaling up its use across our brands.

Using post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR) can reduce the need for virgin plastic, cut greenhouse gas emissions and help businesses like ours meet regulatory requirements

We have reduced our use of virgin plastic by 23% since 2019, and more than 21% of our plastic packaging is now made from recycled plastic

Securing a reliable and consistent supply of high-quality PCR remains a significant challenge in incorporating more in our plastic packaging

At Unilever, we’re working to reduce our virgin plastic footprint by scaling up our use of post-consumer recycled plastic, known as PCR. By the end of this year, we’re aiming for 25% PCR in our packaging, and to collect and process more plastic packaging than we sell.

Though switching to PCR may sound like a straightforward material swap, in reality, it’s extremely complex for many reasons. We spoke to Dion Moran and Severine Mongauze in our Global R&D and Procurement Sustainability teams to understand why.

Why is switching to recycled plastic important?
Dion: Using PCR drives demand for packaging collection and recycling – which in turn boosts supply – helping keep plastic in circulation and out of nature. Alongside lighter packaging, alternative materials and reuse–refill models, scaling PCR is key to reducing our use of virgin plastic.

Severine: PCR often has a lower carbon footprint than virgin plastic made from fossil fuels, so it’s an opportunity to cut greenhouse gas emissions as well as waste. Using PCR also helps businesses meet the increasing regulatory requirements for recycled content in packaging.

How does plastic recycling work?
Severine: Used plastic is collected, sorted and cleaned, then melted and processed into flakes and pellets, to be turned into something new. Most is mechanically recycled, but there are also advanced methods. Every part of the value chain – from waste management services and waste collectors to aggregators and recyclers – plays a vital role in the process.

Dion: We rigorously test all PCR to ensure it performs like new and meets the same packaging safety and performance standards as virgin plastic. It’s a highly technical sourcing and innovation process, which is why collaboration with our supply chain is key.

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